Cruises offer an escape from the humdrum world that we all face from time to time. In today’s world, cruise lines compete to obtain your business and offer some interesting cruise deals and bargains to offer you the best vacation ever. You can to sail to far off ports in exotic locations or settle for a day or two out at sea. But how do you get the best cruise deals available? Here are some tips for getting cruise deals that suit your needs.
- Call a travel agent. Travel agents receive information about cruise deals before anyone else.
- Be sure to book your trip early for the best cruise deals and rates. Your vacation can be booked with a travel agent or directly from the cruise line.
- Inside cabins without windows are the least expensive. Most inside cabins are just about the same as the more expensive outside cabins. If you are using the room just to sleep, why pay the extra money?
- Take advantage of discounts, such as senior citizen or student cruise deals. As a senior, many cruise deals are available at a discounted rate if you have a membership with AARP.
- Cruise lines base their rates on double occupancy, so if you can’t find a friend to bring, many cruise lines offer single passengers shared rooms with other solo passengers. Making a new roommate can save you 200 percent off the cost.
- Remember that tips are not included in your cruise deals. Tipping is mandatory on some ships. Some will automatically charge your on-board account. A 15 percent tip is usually added to bar tabs, waiters and waitresses. Other tipping may be required, so find out the cruise line’s policy before you book.
- Some cruise lines offer on-ship credit for meals, drinks, and so on, so ask a travel agent if that is available with your cruise deals.
- Some cruise lines offer cash back cruise deals if you book your vacation with them.
- You may be able to find good cruise deals with last minute trips as well. The rates on these cruise deals can be substantially less because the cruise lines are trying to sell unoccupied cabins as fast as they can. Some last minute deals can be as inexpensive as $299 per person.
- There are many cruise deals advertised on the Internet. Select your cruise deals from a reputable online travel agent or book them directly with the cruise line. Even if rates sound great, find out information about an unknown company, before purchasing your cruise deals.
- When you select your cruise deals, make sure you read the fine print. Some cruise deals come with restrictions, so get the scoop before you book.
Wherever you decide to vacation this year, finding a bargain cruise can be half the fun of getting there. A little homework will help you get the best deals available.
By R. S. Wagner